My question is: how does AmEx get this information? Does it come straight from the airline? For the story I am working on it is important to verify this information is reliable. The passenger name information is particularly important.

I have put in some phone calls to American Express public relations, but so far no response. Can anyone provide any assistance? Thanks!

Hmm, unfortunately I can't answer your question authoritatively which is probably what you need. But after looking at my own statement it appears that Amex is getting the information from the airline. I say this because the ticket number and passenger name are in the format the airline uses. But I typically buy my tickets using the Amex travel agency. I also looked at a recent statement for a ticket I bough directly from the airline and it has very similar information.

I'd bet that the information is coming from the airline. But I think you will need to speak with Amex to get a definite answer.

One thing you might run into though is that the information comes when the ticket is purchased. A ticket can often be changed. I could buy a ticket in the name of Mickey Mouse and then change it to a different flight and my name if I just pay a fee. It's unlikely anyone would do that unless they were trying to misdirect.

They will not attain this detail information; they only get the name of the establishment where the transaction was name and the dollar amount. They are not using an official card for what you describe above and I don't see anything wrong with anyone using a personal card for personal reason (if you can prove he/she made these charges). But good luck with your report and do share your story if you decide to publish.

My question is: how does AmEx get this information? Does it come straight from the airline? For the story I am working on it is important to verify this information is reliable. The passenger name information is particularly important.

-JStrong

It comes from whomever enters in the information when the ticket is purchased, which is usually the card holder, or authorized user. A reporter digging into an elected officials credit card statements sounds fishy already.

American Express protects the privacy of their card holders and isn't likely to divulge that information.

They cannot possibly get this detailed information on a Regular statement. I travel all the time and the only thing that is generated on both personal / business statements are the Name of Merchant and the dollar amount.

I am more concerned about the ethical violation and how using personal cards constitute a problem or even warrant an investigation.

I will also be concerned about how the source attained this information. You might be getting real close to the textbook definition of accessory but as a reporter, you know more than i do.

If I remember correctly, the last time I bought a ticket, with a Visa, I think, there was flight info on the statement, such as destination city. I believe they all put something like this on the statement to counter fraud.

They cannot possibly get this detailed information on a Regular statement. I travel all the time and the only thing that is generated on both personal / business statements are the Name of Merchant and the dollar amount.

I am more concerned about the ethical violation and how using personal cards constitute a problem or even warrant an investigation.

I will also be concerned about how the source attained this information. You might be getting real close to the textbook definition of accessory but as a reporter, you know more than i do.

The detailed information is there. I looked at my past statements to confirm. The issue is whether that information is always accurate. I think it is although it reflects what was purchased. A ticket can sometimes be changed later.

As for the ethical and possible legal issues, you definitely nailed that.

If I remember correctly, the last time I bought a ticket, with a Visa, I think, there was flight info on the statement, such as destination city. I believe they all put something like this on the statement to counter fraud.

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